Media merger raises stakes for NZ journalism

In today's Focus on Politics podcast, the government is pressing ahead with its planned mega media merger. Political reporter Katie Scotcher explores what it will mean for RNZ and TVNZ, as well the wider media sector."The platform at RNZ and TVNZ is strong enough to support change, it's whether or not the willingness sits within the newly-formed company," - Media academic Richard Pamatatau The RNZ and TVNZ mega-media-merger has been years in the making. While it has finally been confirmed, much of the detail - including funding - remains unclear.National opposes the merger, saying it's a solution looking for a problem.But a media academic says the new organisation's biggest challenge - and biggest opportunity - will be creating a public service media which can truly cater to all New Zealanders. Listen to the full podcast hereThe idea of a public media shake-up first emerged ahead of the election in 2017, with Labour campaigning on a new public digital media service called RNZ+ which would have expanded into television with significant extra funding. Those plans were shelved after Clare Curran resigned as Broadcasting Minister in 2018. Her successor Kris Faafoi - a former journalist - floated the idea of a new state-owned public media entity in 2019.A group - with representatives from RNZ, TVNZ and various public service agencies - advised the status quo was "unsustainable" and the two broadcasters be disestablished with a new organisation in its place. Ministers approved, but demanded a business case to assess how it would work. After Covid-related delays, eight experts led by former NZ First Minister Tracey Martin reported back to the Minister late last year with their proposal. Cabinet confirmed, and Faafoi announced it just over a fortnight ago.Read more:RNZ-TVNZ public media shake-up: What you need to knowRNZ boss Paul Thompson: merger a 'watershed' moment for NZ mediaMinister confirms RNZ, TVNZ to be folded into mega public media entityMediawatch: RNZ + TVNZ = new PME in 2023The government intends to bring the two broadcasters under the umbrella of a new not-for-profit organisation, with a stronger focus on the digital world. It will operate under a charter and be funded by a mix of commercial and government funding.There are few details, however, with many unanswered questions: will newsrooms combine? Will programmes be simulcast? Will there be staff cuts? Faafoi prefers to leave those decisions to the establishment board, expected to be set up soon. Funding also won't be announced until Budget Day, but the government's still keen to have it up and running by next July - an election year. Melissa Lee…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details